Serving Platter with Interchangeable Decorative Insert

ABSTRACT

A serving platter with interchangeable decorative insert provides a transparent plate and an inner disc that detachably join through a tab and slot mechanism. The disc is configured with a decorative image, text, or pattern, which conveys a holiday themed or special event. The transparent plate is substantially transparent. The disc rests in a recess in the inner perimeter of the transparent plate. The inner perimeter has a flange. The flange has at least one slot. The tab from the disc rotates in a first direction into the slot to affixes the disc to the transparent plate. Conversely, rotating the tab in a second direction out of the slot detaches the disc from the transparent plate. The L-shape of the slot helps retain the tab in the slot. The tab protrudes from the slot to provide a gripping surface for manipulating the tab.

BACKGROUND

The following background information may present examples of specific aspects of the prior art (e.g., without limitation, approaches, facts, or common wisdom) that, while expected to be helpful to further educate the reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to be construed as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof, to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon.

The following is an example of a specific aspect in the prior art that, while expected to be helpful to further educate the reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to be construed as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof, to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon.

The present invention is directed to a serving platter with an interchangeable decorative insert.

The inventor has been to numerous events and dinner parties that require serving food on a decorative plate or tray. The inventor was aware that decorative plates, and other types of elegant dinnerware, have been utilized for many years, either in terms of providing a suitable aesthetic dish on which food is served, or through a plate that is solely utilized for display purposes.

The inventor was also aware that, whether such articles were made from china, stone wear, acrylic, paperboard, or any other like material, the primary manner of providing such decorative articles was through a permanent appliqué, painted pattern, or other like manner. As such, the inventor was always limited to the pattern or other display provided by the manufacturer, or perhaps applied by the dinnerware purchaser prior to actual use.

Through observation of friends and family, the inventor recognized that the use of decorative paper plates at birthday parties and other special events was becoming more and more popular. This practice led to increased interest in more durable plates and other tableware that provided a decorative element.

However, the inventor soon saw that each set of plates required a substantial investment of money and storage space. The inventor realized that a dinner plate with a decorative insert, which is transparent and any one of a plurality of inserts to be affixed to its flange and viewed, would resolve this problem.

Thus, the inventor recognized a problem in that the imagery on dinnerware was limited. Through additional research, the inventor learned that dinnerware platters could be made up of two components, an inner portion, and a transparent plate that could fit together. The inventor decided that by providing multiple inner portions, with each having a unique decorative image, the combinations of outer and inner portions could provide greater flexibility in decorative dinnerware plates.

The inventor soon realized that the insert would incidentally fall out of the transparent plate. The inventor decided to create two tabs on the insert and two slots on the transparent plate. The slot was designed with an L-shape that inhibited disengagement between the slot and tab.

For the foregoing reasons, there is a serving platter with interchangeable decorative insert, comprising a transparent plate and an inner disc with an image that detachably join through a tab and slot mechanism.

Decorative dinnerware have been utilized in the past; yet none with the characteristics of the present invention. See U.S. Patent No. US 20140166667; U.S. Pat. No. 8,642,186; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,427,733.

For the foregoing reasons, there is a serving platter with interchangeable decorative insert provides a transparent plate and an inner disc that detachably join through a tab and slot mechanism. The disc is configured with a decorative image, text, or pattern, which conveys a holiday themed or special event. The transparent plate is substantially transparent. The disc rests in a recess in the inner perimeter of the transparent plate. The inner perimeter has a flange. The flange has at least one slot. The tab from the disc rotates in a first direction into the slot to affixes the disc to the transparent plate.

SUMMARY

The present invention describes a serving platter with interchangeable decorative insert. The serving platter is comprised of a transparent plate and an inner disc that detachably join through a tab-and-slot mechanism. The inner disc is configured with a decorative image. The transparent plate is substantially transparent, so as to enable viewing of the image on the disc. The tab protrudes from the slot to provide a gripping surface for manipulating the tab.

In some embodiments, the serving platter with interchangeable decorative insert may include a transparent plate. The transparent plate forms the supportive portion of the platter, and has substantial width, surface area, and rigidity so as to support food or other items. The transparent plate is fabricated from a substantially transparent material. In construction, the transparent plate comprises an outer perimeter and an inner perimeter. The inner perimeter comprises a flange having at least one slot. In some embodiments, two evenly-spaced slots are provided.

The platter may further include at least one disc. The at least one disc comprises a first face and a second face. The first face and/or the second face may be defined by an image, indicia, pattern, or other decorative article. The disc further comprises an outer edge having at least one tab. The outer edge is configured to detachably engage the flange of the transparent plate. In this manner, any number of discs may interchangeable join with the transparent plate.

The at least one tab is configured to rotate in and out of the at least one slot, so as to lock and release the disc from the transparent plate. Thus, in one embodiment, rotating the at least one tab in a first direction into the at least one slot affixes the disc to the transparent plate. Conversely, rotating the at least one tab in a second direction out of the at least one slot detaches the disc from the transparent plate. While engaged in the slot, the tab protrudes slightly from the slot, so as to provide a surface for gripping the disc. This may be especially useful when the hands are wet or soapy.

In one aspect, platter with interchangeable decorative insert, the platter comprises:

a transparent plate, the transparent plate defined by a substantially transparent material, the transparent plate comprising an outer perimeter and an inner perimeter, the inner perimeter having a flange, the flange comprising at least one slot; and at least one disc, the at least one disc comprising a first face and a second face, the first face and/or the second face defined by an image, the at least one disc further comprising an outer edge having at least one tab, the outer edge configured to detachably engage the inner perimeter of the transparent plate, the at least one tab configured to rotate in and out of the at least one slot, whereby rotating the at least one tab in a first direction into the at least one slot affixes the at least one disc to the transparent plate, whereby rotating the at least one tab in a second direction out of the at least one slot detaches the at least one disc from the transparent plate.

In one aspect, the platter is a plate for serving food.

In one aspect, the transparent plate is about 10 inches diameter.

In another aspect, the material of the transparent plate includes at least one member selected from the group consisting of: a polymer, an acrylic glass, fiberglass, and glass.

In another aspect, the flange is oriented perpendicularly form the inner perimeter of the transparent plate.

In another aspect, the flange is about ¼ inch long.

In another aspect, the at least one slot comprises two, evenly-spaced slots.

In another aspect, the at least one slot is generally L-shaped.

In another aspect, inner perimeter comprises a recess.

In another aspect, the outer edge of the disc engages the recess in the inner perimeter.

In another aspect, the material of the disc includes at least one member selected from the group consisting of: a polymer, glass, a ceramic, clay, and metal, an acrylic glass, fiberglass, and glass.

In another aspect, the image comprises a theme for a holiday or special event.

In another aspect, the holiday or special event includes at least one member selected from the group consisting of: Christmas, New Year's Eve, Independence Day, Valentine's Day, Thanksgiving, Martin Luther King Day, St. Patrick's Day, Yom Kippur, Hanukah, birthdays, graduations, and wedding receptions.

In another aspect, the at least one tab comprises two, evenly-spaced tabs.

In another aspect, the at least one tab is configured to protrude from the at least one slot when engaged.

One objective of the present invention is to provide interchangeable discs having decorative images, indicia, or patterns that fit into a transparent plate to form a decorative serving platter.

Another objective of the present invention is to provide a transparent, rigid outer transparent plate that supports food.

Another objective of the present invention is to provide at least one decorative inner disc that supports food while providing a decorative image.

Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide tabs that engage slots for rotatably affixing and detaching the disc to the transparent plate.

Yet another objective is to enable the tabs to protrude from the slot, so as to provide a gripping surface when the hands are wet or soapy.

Yet another objective is to provide an inexpensive to manufacture serving platter with interchangeable decorative components.

DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and drawings where:

FIG. 1 is a top view of an exemplary serving platter showing a disc detached from a transparent plate;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of serving platter showing a disc detached from a transparent plate; and

FIG. 3 is a close up view of at least one tab on outer edge of disc engaging at least one slot in inner perimeter of transparent plate.

DESCRIPTION

The present invention, referenced in FIGS. 1-3, is directed to a serving platter 100 with at least one interchangeable decorative insert. The serving platter 100 may include unique, versatile decorative dinnerware articles, such as plates, food platters, paper plates, bowls, and the like having a centrally disposed interchangeable insert, or disc 114 displaying a decorative image 122. The serving platter 100 includes a transparent plate 102 of a suitable polymer construction that nests with an interchangeable, decorative disc 114 such that the two components connect reliably in a manner that a user may place food or other servable items on both, and such that a decorative image 122 on the disc 114 may be easily viewed even when food is positioned on the platter 100.

As referenced in FIG. 1, the serving platter 100 is comprised of a transparent plate 102 and at least one disc 114 that detachably join through a tab-and-slot mechanism. The transparent plate 102 is substantially transparent, so as to enable viewing of the image on the disc 114. The disc 114 is configured with a decorative image 122. The tab 120 protrudes from at least one slot 112 to provide a gripping surface for manipulating at least one tab 120.

In one embodiment, the transparent plate 102 is provided in even numbered sets, such as a set of eight transparent plates. The transparent plate 102 may provide a simple, solid appearance or any one of several textures, such as bubbles, cracks, or a pebbled grain on the bottom surface surrounding the disc 114. A variety of discs 114 are available separately in the same number as the transparent plate 102. Though a greater number of discs 114 may be available to create greater flexibility in designs.

Looking now at FIG. 2, the serving platter 100 may include a transparent plate 102. The transparent plate 102 forms the supportive portion of the platter 100, and has substantial width, surface area, and rigidity so as to support food or other suitable items. The transparent plate 102 is fabricated from a substantially transparent material. In construction, the transparent plate 102 comprises an outer perimeter 104 and an inner perimeter 106. A recess 108 may form along the inner perimeter 106. The transparent plate 102 may be completely flat or have a slight curvature. The outer perimeter 104 may include decorative members, such as flower designs, arcs, or ridges.

The transparent plate 102 may be fabricated from a rigid, durable, transparent material, which may include, without limitation, a polymer, an acrylic glass, fiberglass, glass, and combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the transparent plate 102 is circular. Though the transparent plate 102 may have other shapes, such as square, rectangular, and triangular. In one embodiment, the transparent plate 102 has a 10″ diameter.

In one embodiment, a flange 110 extends perpendicularly from the inner perimeter 106 of the transparent plate. The flange 110 may extend about ¼″ from the inner perimeter 106. The flange 110 has at least one slot 112. In some embodiments, the at least one slot 112 comprises two evenly-spaced slots. In one embodiment, the slot 112 follows a generally L-shape.

Looking now at FIG. 2, the platter 100 may further include at least one disc 114 configured to detachably attach within the inner perimeter 106 of the transparent plate 102. The at least one disc 114 comprises a first face 116 and a second face (not shown). The first face 116 and/or the second face may be defined by an image 122, indicia, pattern, or other decorative article. Thus, the image 122 may form on either face 116 of the disc 114.

In one embodiment, the decorative image 122 may comply with a theme for a Holiday or special event, including, without limitation, Christmas, New Year's Eve, Independence Day, Valentine's Day, Thanksgiving, Martin Luther King Day, St. Patrick's Day, Yom Kippur, Hanukah, birthdays, graduations, and wedding receptions. For example, an image of candy canes and snowflakes may indicate a Christmas or winter holiday theme.

The disc 114 further comprises an outer edge 118. The outer edge 118 is configured to detachably engage the recess 108 in the inner perimeter 106 of the transparent plate 102. In one embodiment, the disc 114 fits snugly into the recess 108 in the inner perimeter 106 of the transparent plate 102. Any number of discs 114 may interchangeably join with the transparent plate 102. Thus, by changing discs 114, the image 122, and thereby the theme of the platter 100 may be changed as desired.

The disc 114 may be fabricated from a rigid, durable material, which may include, without limitation, a polymer, glass, a ceramic, clay, and metal, an acrylic glass, fiberglass, glass, and combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the disc 114 is circular. Though the disc 114 may have other shapes, such as square, rectangular, and triangular. In any case, the disc 114 conforms to the shape of the inner perimeter 106 of the transparent plate 102.

The at least one tab 120 on the outer edge 118 of the disc 114 is configured to rotate in and out of the at least one slot 112 in the transparent plate 102. In this manner, the disc 114 can lock and release from the transparent plate 102. Thus, in one embodiment, rotating the at least one tab 120 in a first direction into the at least one slot 112 affixes the disc 114 to the transparent plate 102. Conversely, rotating the at least one tab 120 in a second direction out of the at least one slot 112 detaches the disc 114 from the transparent plate 102. The L-shape of the slot 112 helps retain the tab 120 in the slot 112.

Thus, as illustrated in FIG. 3, turning the disc 114 slightly after insertion of the at least one tab 120 into the at least one slot 112 secures the disc 114 to the transparent plate 102. While engaged in the slot 112, the tab 120 protrudes slightly from the slot 112, so as to provide a surface for gripping the disc 114. This may be especially useful when the hands are wet or soapy.

Components, component sizes, and materials listed above are preferable, but artisans will recognize that alternate components and materials could be selected without altetransparent plate the scope of the invention.

While the inventor's above description contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope, but rather as an exemplification of several preferred embodiments thereof. Many other variations are possible. For example, the transparent plate and the disc could be square shaped. Accordingly, the scope should be determined not by the embodiments illustrated, but by the appended claims and their legal equivalents. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A platter with interchangeable decorative insert, the platter comprising: a transparent plate, the transparent plate defined by a substantially transparent material, the transparent plate comprising an outer perimeter and an inner perimeter, the inner perimeter having a flange, the flange comprising at least one slot; and at least one disc, the at least one disc comprising a first face and a second face, the first face and/or the second face defined by an image, the at least one disc further comprising an outer edge having at least one tab, the outer edge configured to detachably engage the inner perimeter of the transparent plate, the at least one tab configured to rotate in and out of the at least one slot, whereby rotating the at least one tab in a first direction into the at least one slot affixes the at least one disc to the transparent plate, whereby rotating the at least one tab in a second direction out of the at least one slot detaches the at least one disc from the transparent plate.
 2. The platter of claim 1, wherein the platter is a plate for serving food.
 3. The platter of claim 1, wherein the transparent plate is about 10 inches diameter.
 4. The platter of claim 1, wherein the material of the transparent plate includes at least one member selected from the group consisting of: a polymer, an acrylic glass, fiberglass, and glass.
 5. The platter of claim 1, wherein the flange is oriented perpendicularly form the inner perimeter of the transparent plate.
 6. The platter of claim 1, wherein the flange is about ¼ inch long.
 7. The platter of claim 1, wherein the at least one slot comprises two, evenly-spaced slots.
 8. The platter of claim 1, wherein the at least one slot is generally L-shaped.
 9. The platter of claim 1, wherein the inner perimeter comprises a recess.
 10. The platter of claim 9, wherein the outer edge of the disc engages the recess.
 11. The platter of claim 1, wherein the material of the disc includes at least one member selected from the group consisting of: a polymer, glass, a ceramic, clay, and metal, an acrylic glass, fiberglass, and glass.
 12. The platter of claim 1, wherein the image comprises a theme for a holiday or special event.
 13. The platter of claim 12, wherein the holiday or special event includes at least one member selected from the group consisting of: Christmas, New Year's Eve, Independence Day, Valentine's Day, Thanksgiving, Martin Luther King Day, St. Patrick's Day, Yom Kippur, Hanukah, birthdays, graduations, and wedding receptions.
 14. The platter of claim 1, wherein the at least one tab comprises two, evenly-spaced tabs.
 15. The platter of claim 1, wherein the at least one tab is configured to protrude from the at least one slot when engaged in the at least one slot.
 16. A platter with interchangeable decorative insert, the platter comprising: a transparent plate, the transparent plate defined by a substantially transparent material, the transparent plate comprising an outer perimeter and an inner perimeter, the inner perimeter having a recess and a flange, the flange comprising at least one L-shaped slot; and at least one disc, the at least one disc comprising a first face and a second face, the first face and/or the second face defined by an image, the at least one disc further comprising an outer edge having at least one tab, the outer edge configured to detachably engage the recess of the transparent plate, the at least one tab configured to rotate in and out of the at least one L-shaped slot, whereby rotating the at least one tab in a first direction into the at least one L-shaped slot affixes the at least one disc to the transparent plate, whereby rotating the at least one tab in a second direction out of the at least one L-shaped slot detaches the at least one disc from the transparent plate.
 17. The platter of claim 16, wherein the at least one slot comprises two, evenly-spaced slots.
 18. The platter of claim 16, wherein the at least one tab comprises two, evenly-spaced tabs.
 19. The platter of claim 16, wherein the image comprises a theme for a holiday or special event.
 20. The platter of claim 19, wherein the holiday or special event includes at least one member selected from the group consisting of: Christmas, New Year's Eve, Independence Day, Valentine's Day, Thanksgiving, Martin Luther King Day, St. Patrick's Day, Yom Kippur, Hanukah, birthdays, graduations, and wedding receptions. 